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An outdoor griddle is one of the most versatile appliances a home chef can own. Just like a gas or charcoal grill, a griddle is capable of cooking many foods alfresco, including burgers, steaks, and chicken. But it can also handle some foods you could never cook on a standard grill, such as bacon, eggs, and pancakes.
An outdoor griddle consists of a broad, flat cooking surface made of rolled steel, cast iron, or stainless steel. The cooking surface is heated with gas burners powered by a propane tank. Outdoor griddles come as large stand-alone models, small tabletop units, or even plates that can cook on an existing grill.
Because an outdoor griddle should cook great food and also weather the elements, it should be made of quality materials. After trying it out ourselves, we like the Cuisinart 2-Burner Griddle best for its durable, large cooking surface and its easy clean-up.
In this guide, we’ll look at some of the best outdoor griddles on the market, offer our feedback on models we tested ourselves, and examine what to look for when shopping for one.
- BEST OVERALL: Cuisinart CGG-0028 2-Burner Flat-Top Gas Griddle
↓ Jump to Review - BEST PORTABLE: Royal Gourmet PD1301S 24-Inch 3-Burner Gas Grill
↓ Jump to Review - BEST HEAVY-DUTY: Traeger Flatrock 3-Zone Propane Griddle
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Country Smokers The Highland Portable Griddle
↓ Jump to Review - UPGRADE PICK: Blackstone 1825 36″ Cooking Station With Side Shelf
↓ Jump to Review - BEST PLATE: Sizzle-Q SQ-180 Stainless Steel BBQ Griddle
↓ Jump to Review - BEST COMBO: Royal Gourmet GD401 Propane Gas Grill and Griddle
↓ Jump to Review - MOST VERSATILE: Cuisinart CGG-0036 4-Burner Gas Griddle
↓ Jump to Review - ALSO CONSIDER: Cuisinart CGG-501 Gourmet Gas Griddle
↓ Jump to Review
Our Top Picks
We’ve chosen griddles in a variety of types and sizes, with larger models that are capable of cooking for a large family gathering as well as smaller options suitable for camping trips. Check out the picks below that we tested ourselves and find the best outdoor griddle for your needs.
Best Overall
Cuisinart CGG-0028 2-Burner Flat-Top Gas Griddle
Product Specs
- Cooking surface: 644 square inches
- Burners: Two 15,000 British thermal unit (BTU)
- Type: Freestanding
What We Like
- Large rolled-steel cooking surface
- Somewhat portable and storable
- 2 large drain holes make it easy to clean
- 2 cooking zones; helpful for dealing with multiple foods
What We Don’t Like
- Smaller cooking surface than other full-size flat-top grills
An ample rolled-steel cooking surface, two-heat-zone design, and foldable legs for surprising portability make this Cuisinart our Best Overall pick.
Assembling the Cuisinart was fairly easy given its size: We had it assembled in about 30 minutes (the seasoning process crucial to most rolled-steel models added about45 minutes before the grill was up and running). The electric ignition is a nice plus, making the grill much easier to light than those that use cheaper piezo ignition.
The Cuisinart’s cooking surface reached temps upwards of 600 degrees Fahrenheit, ideal for our test food of steak and chicken fajitas with peppers and onions. The high top temp made it easy to sear a nice char on our skirt steak. We also liked having two cooking zones, which provided a hot side for cooking meat and veggies and a cool side to push food to as it finished.
While the Cuisinart also performed well for cooking standard breakfast fare like pancakes, bacon, and eggs, it proved necessary to drop the heat to near minimum temps to avoid overcooking the eggs or burning the pancakes. But after a test pancake or two, we had the timing and temp down.
The side table is helpful for food prep and can be mounted to either side, but we found ourselves wishing Cuisinart had just included two shelves—one for each side. Cleaning a flat-top grill should be comparatively easier than cleaning standard grill grates, and the Cuisinart is, thanks to two large drain holes in the surface beneath—each of which are easy-to-remove mug-style grease cups.
This Cuisinart model is one of the only full-size griddles we came across that folds up. It measures some 28 inches long by 17.5 inches high when in its most compact state. While cooks will probably need help lifting and carrying this 50-pound model, transporting it in the trunk of a car is certainly doable, making the grill an option for large tailgating events or a family reunion at the park. If nothing else, its foldability makes it easier to store in a shed or garage, which is ideal for those who may want to add a flat top to their outdoor cooking arsenal but don’t have enough room on their deck or patio to give it a permanent home.
Get the Cuisinart CGG-0028 outdoor griddle at Amazon, Wayfair, or Cuisinart.
Best Portable
Royal Gourmet PD1301S 24-Inch 3-Burner Gas Grill
Product Specs
- Cooking surface: 318.95 square inches
- Burners: Three8,500 BTU
- Type: Tabletop
What We Like
- 3 cooking zones
- Reaches high heat
- No seasoning needed
What We Don’t Like
- Some foods stick, making it hard to clean
- Cheaper piezo ignition
Few tabletop flat-top griddles offer the versatility that Royal Gourmet’s 24-inch gas-powered model does. Out of the box, it comes nearly fully assembled, save for the feet, which we had to screw into the bottom. Unfortunately, our test model got dented during shipping, but that cosmetic issue didn’t impact the grill’s functionality.
Though piezo ignition can take multiple button pushes to light, this grill started up fairly easily. But the ceramic-coated cooktop, as opposed to rolled steel, produced mixed results. While it’s low maintenance, as it requires no seasoning, the coating did not prove to be as nonstick as we hoped. It cooked food well enough with minimal sticking, but the bacon grease left a stubborn residue that clung to the surface despite our best effort to scrub it off. This was particularly disappointing considering that easy cleaning is supposed to be a prime asset of a flat-top grill.
We appreciated the three burners, which, combined with its nearly 319 square inches of cooking surface, enabled preparing multiple types of foods at once: a few strips of bacon, several pancakes, and a couple of fried eggs in our test, which is impressive for a tabletop flat-top grill. The Royal Gourmet also reached high enough heat with its 25,500 BTU output to sear burgers. These qualities coupled with an affordable price help to outweigh the shortcomings of its cooking surface.
Get the Royal Gourmet outdoor griddle at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Best Heavy-Duty
Traeger Flatrock 3-Zone Propane Griddle
Product Specs
- Cooking surface: 594 square inches
- Burners: Three; 43,500 BTUs total
- Type: Freestanding
What We Like
- Ideal for pancakes, eggs, and hash browns
- Multiple cooking zones; save propane by heating just 1 or 2 zones
- Sturdy, top-notch build quality
- 594 square inches of cooking capacity
- Wind-blocking feature is a boon for cooking in breezy conditions
What We Don’t Like
- Cost is higher than competitive flat-top griddles, but quality is exceptional
We were incredibly impressed with the high-quality Flatrock, a three-zone griddle that excelled in our testing. We did a side-by-side comparison in Ace Hardware and found that the Flatrock outdoor flat-top grill was sturdier than other top-name griddles. It provides an impressive 594 square inches of cooking surface, but what really stood out was its three-zone capability, as this allowed us to heat just one or two zones to avoid wasting propane.
Seeing as we live on a mountain where it’s frequently breezy, one of our favorite features was FlameBlock, Flatrock’s wind-blocking feature; it kept the wind from blowing out the cooking flame. We also liked the griddle’s propane indicator, which told us when the propane level was getting low.
One thing to note: While this is a propane griddle, the ignitor is electric and requires access to an outlet.
Get the Traeger outdoor griddle at Ace Hardware, The Home Depot, or Best Buy.
More Great Options
We didn’t test the following models, but based on our extensive research, we feel confident recommending these outdoor griddles. They truly are some of the best on the market.
Best Bang For The Buck
Country Smokers The Highland Portable Griddle
Product Specs
- Cooking surface: 597 square inches
- Burners: Four 11,000 BTU
- Type: Freestanding
What We Like
- A lot of cooking space at a low price
- Preseasoned stainless steel cooktop
- Foldable legs for portability
What We Don’t Like
- No side tables or shelf
- No wheels or holder for the propane tank
For those willing to compromise a few bells and whistles, this griddle from Country Smokers offers ample cooking space at a budget price that’s just a fraction of other similar size griddles. Its 597 square inches of cooking space gather heat from four 11,000 BTU burners, so its size is ideal for handling larger backyard barbecues of up to 10 people.
The top consists of heavy-gauge stainless steel that resists rust and corrosion, while a collapsible design allows outdoor chefs to take this griddle on the road for tailgating or camping. Its low price comes with a few concessions. It does not have side tables or shelves for prep and storage. It also lacks a holder for the propane tank, which makes it a little more challenging to move from place to place.
Get the Country Smokers outdoor griddle at Amazon or Wayfair.
Upgrade Pick
Blackstone 1825 36" Cooking Station With Side Shelf
Product Specs
- Cooking surface: 720 square inches
- Burners: Four 15,000 BTU
- Type: Freestanding
What We Like
- 60,000 BTUs of cooking power
- Ample 720 square inches of cooking space
- Durable steel construction
What We Don’t Like
- Large size and heavy weight make it harder to move
With 720 square inches of cooking space, this gas griddle from Blackstone is worthy of a large backyard barbecue or even a professional outdoor kitchen. Four powerful 15,000 BTU gas burners heat that broad swath of cooking surface, and a rear grease drain capably handles drippings from all those burgers or steaks.
A rolled-steel cooktop provides a sturdy surface, while the unit’s powder-coated black steel frame can withstand the elements. Large casters keep the hefty griddle easy to roll around. Since there needs to be a place for all that food to go when it’s done cooking, this griddle comes equipped with two large side tables and a tray under the griddle. A strip of utensil hooks and a paper-towel holder are also useful additional features.
Get the Blackstone outdoor griddle at Amazon or Blackstone.
Best Plate
Sizzle-Q SQ-180 Stainless Steel BBQ Griddle
Product Specs
- Cooking surface: 234 square inches
- Burners: N/A
- Type: Plate
What We Like
- Constructed of durable stainless steel
- Grease drain prevents flare-ups
- Reinforced body resists warping
- Large size for a plate option
What We Don’t Like
- No handles; difficult to pick up with gloved hands
Plates are an affordable means of turning any gas grill into a griddle, and the Sizzle-Q SQ-180 is a top option. The stainless steel griddle plate rests on top of an existing grill, so it’s easy to install or uninstall quickly. At 18 inches wide by 13 inches deep, it offers 234 square inches of cooking space.
A high lip runs around three sides, and a grease trough on the front of the griddle catches grease to reduce runoff and flare-ups. With its stainless steel construction, this griddle for gas grills resists rust and corrosion. Welded cross braces on the underbody prevent warping, even under intense heat.
Get the Sizzle-Q outdoor griddle at Amazon, Lowe’s, Tractor Supply Co., or The Home Depot.
Best Combo
Royal Gourmet GD401 Propane Gas Grill and Griddle
Product Specs
- Cooking surface: 314 plus 292 square inches
- Burners: Four 12,000 BTU burners
- Type: Freestanding
What We Like
- Grill and griddle combo adds versatility
- Foldable legs for transport
- Ample cooking space
What We Don’t Like
- Burners not as powerful as other models
- No storage tray under the grill
Should you choose a gas griddle or grill? How about both? This Royal Gourmet propane combination model splits its cooking surface into a griddle and a grill, creating two cooking zones that outdoor chefs can use simultaneously. One cooking zone provides 314 square inches of cooking space while the other comes in at 292 square inches. Each of the surfaces features two 12,000 BTU burners.
Two large side tables offer additional prep space, and four hooks under the grill provide storage for cooking utensils. Other thoughtful features include a convenient bottle opener attached to one side table and four sturdy casters that make it easy to maneuver this griddle around a deck or patio. Despite its large size, this griddle is portable with legs that fold under the grill for transport.
Get the Royal Gourmet GD401 outdoor griddle at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or Royal Gourmet.
Most Versatile
Cuisinart CGG-0036 4-Burner Gas Griddle
Product Specs
- Cooking surface: 760 square inches
- Burners: Four 15,000 BTU
- Type: Freestanding or tabletop
What We Like
- Foldable legs add versatility
- 60,000 BTUs of cooking power
- Large side tables and an under-griddle shelf
What We Don’t Like
- Some issues with uneven heating
- Plastic as opposed to metal control knobs
The Cuisinart four-burner gas griddle has powerful burners, a durable cooktop, and a design that makes it easy to maneuver. In addition to a large rolled-steel cooking surface that boasts 760 square inches of cooking space powered by four 15,000 BTU gas burners, this griddle offers ample space for meal prep and tool storage. It has two large side tables and an under-griddle shelf.
The Cuisinart griddle also features a leg design that sets it apart from other griddles. Its curved legs feature wheels that allow users to maneuver it as a stand-alone grill or fold them in to convert to a tabletop model.
Get the Cuisinart CGG-0036 outdoor griddle at Amazon, Tractor Supply Co., Wayfair, or Walmart.
Also Consider
Cuisinart CGG-501 Gourmet Gas Griddle
Product Specs
- Cooking surface: 285 square inches
- Burners: Two 10,000 BTU
- Type: Tabletop
What We Like
- 20,000 BTUs of cooking power
- Thick rolled-steel top
- Durable stainless steel burners
What We Don’t Like
- Heavy for a tabletop option at 30 pounds
With its two powerful 10,000 BTU stainless steel burners, this tabletop outdoor griddle is small but mighty. It boasts 285 square inches of cold-rolled-steel cooking surface. The burners are controlled by two knobs and light with a twist-to-start ignition. A large rim around the cooktop keeps grease in the pan, while a drainage hole in the lower corner leads to a removable grease catch.
The griddle measures 19.5 inches wide by 20 inches deep and weighs 30 pounds. Although it is hefty, it’s compact enough to take on the road. A built-in hose connects to a 20-pound propane tank, and the griddle lifts and carries easily, supported by large handles on the sides.
Get the Cuisinart CGG-501 outdoor griddle at Amazon, Lowe’s, Walmart, Best Buy, or Cuisinart.
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested and Chose the Best Outdoor Griddle
We also tested the controls to determine how well they could maintain lower temperatures suitable for scrambling eggs while also reaching heats for searing meats. We leaned toward models with multiple heat zones for our outdoor models. In addition, we examined how well each grill’s grease-management system worked, then cleaned them to see if that was a hassle or a snap.
To select the rest of the products on our list, we looked at three of the most crucial factors for outdoor griddles, including the size of the cooking surface, heat output, and construction. Freestanding griddles with broad cooking surfaces, multiple burners with high BTU output, and rolled steel or stainless steel cooking surfaces ranked highly. Additional features such as side tables, storage shelves, and wheels also factored into our rankings.
For tabletop models, we considered portability as well as cooking surface and burner heat output. For cooking plates, we looked mainly at material construction, with stainless steel plates ranking higher than other materials.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Outdoor Griddle
Though the size of a griddle’s cooking surface is an important factor to consider when shopping for an outdoor griddle, other characteristics also matter, including the number of burners, the material of the cooking surface, and portability. Ahead, learn more about these and other attributes of outdoor griddles.
Types of Outdoor Griddles
Outdoor gas griddles consist of three types—freestanding, tabletop, and plate. Freestanding griddles, like a gas griddle, an outdoor flat-top griddle, a charcoal grill, or even a barbecue with griddle combo are attached to a frame with legs that elevate the griddle off the ground. This type has gas-powered burners that heat the surface of the griddle.
Metal plate griddles work with an existing grill. The grill griddle fits on top of a grill and is heated by the grill’s gas or charcoal flame. These plates, which come in different sizes to suit different types of grills, serve as accessories that outdoor cooks can quickly add or remove from the grill surface.
A tabletop griddle is a small, portable outdoor griddle that sits on top of a table. These models are compact and light enough for one person to carry. They also have limited cooking space and typically have only one or two burners. Tabletop designs are common among electric outdoor griddles as well.
Size and Number of Burners
The size of an outdoor griddle determines how many burgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, hot dogs, or other food items one can cook on it at a time. Small and midsize griddles measure between 200 and 300 square inches, which is enough to prepare a meal for two to four people, while larger griddles can reach up to 750 square inches, enough to cook a meal that can feed eight or more people.
To heat the surface area, a griddle must have an adequate number of burners. Smaller tabletop griddles have one or two burners, while larger freestanding models might have three or four burners.
Material
The griddle surface is one of the most important features to consider when shopping for a cooking griddle. A stainless steel surface is one of the best options. Stainless steel and rolled steel are durable and won’t rust or corrode, which is essential for griddle grill outdoor use.
Cast iron is also a great option. It’s one of the most durable surfaces and will become more seasoned the more it is used, adding flavor to the food. Cast iron, however, requires more care to prevent it from rusting. Smaller tabletop grills typically have grill surfaces with nonstick coatings. This makes them easier to use, but less durable than other materials.
Design
In addition to offering a broad cooking space, many griddles have additional features for easier cooking or transport. Storage features include shelving below the griddle ideal for keeping grill tools, plates, spices, and other cooking needs close by. Most stand-alone griddles have side tables that provide the chef with space for prepping the food before it goes on the griddle and a place for food to land when it’s time to come off. A built-in outdoor griddle can also be a great addition to a patio kitchen.
Since griddles lack the open slats that allow meat juices and cooking oil to drain off, they have drain holes on the cooking surface that lead to a removable drip tray to collect grease. Griddles are a popular tool to take on camping trips, have a cookout at a park, or for tailgating; many have design features that make them portable. This includes foldable legs for easy packing or wheels that allow the chef to maneuver them into place on a deck or patio.
Temperature Control and Ease of Use
Gas griddles feature controls similar to a gas grill or even a gas range. These controls consist of round knobs that allow the user to adjust the height of the flame. Each burner has its own respective control knob (a four-burner griddle will have four control knobs). This multiburner design allows the chef to create different cooking zones on the griddle’s surface.
To make the griddle easier to use, most models feature electric or piezo ignitions that create a spark to light the griddle, eliminating the need for a match or lighter.
Maintenance
Cleaning a griddle is an important part of maintaining it and ensuring it cooks food evenly and without causing it to stick. To clean a griddle, first scrape the surface clean with a metal spatula, scraper, or scouring pad, and then wipe it down with a paper towel. Pouring water on the grill while it’s still hot can also help to remove stuck-on food.
Of the different griddle cook surface types, stainless steel, rolled steel, and cast iron are generally the easiest to clean, and all will withstand harsh scrubbing without scratching. More care needs to be taken with griddles that have nonstick surfaces to avoid scratching and damaging the coating.
If a grill or griddle will live outside, it’s also a good idea to buy a cover for it to protect it from the elements.
Portability
Griddles are a popular cooking appliance to take to a campground, park cookout, or tailgating event, so many are designed for portability. Portable models consist of either freestanding gas griddles with legs that fold into the body or tabletop models that are compact and lightweight.
Most portable tabletop griddles weigh 30 pounds or less and are small enough that a single person can lift the unit and carry it to the trunk of a car. Larger gas griddles that weigh 100 pounds or more may not be portable; however, many feature sturdy casters that allow the user to maneuver them around a deck or patio.
Tips for Seasoning Your Outdoor Griddle
As exciting as it might be to throw a few steaks or burgers on the griddle once it arrives, it’s crucial to season the griddle first to make sure the food doesn’t stick to it and to protect the cooking surface from scratches.
Start by cleaning the surface with soapy water to eliminate any dirt left over from manufacturing, and then rinse. Next, heat the griddle with nothing on it for about 15 minutes or until the surface begins to brown, then turn it off. Pour cooking oil over the surface of the griddle, then evenly distribute it over the surface with a paper towel.
Next, turn the heat on high until it blackens and smokes. Allow it to cool and then add several more layers of cooking oil by repeating the process.
- Clean the griddle surface
- Heat it on high for 15 minutes
- Spread cooking oil over the surface
- Heat until it smokes
- Repeat the oiling process 2 more times
FAQs
If you still have questions about which outdoor kitchen griddle to buy or how to cook with a griddle, then read on for answers to these and other commonly asked questions about the outdoor cooking appliances.
When it comes to outdoor griddles, it’s tough to beat Blackstone. The brand is well known for the quality of its construction, which includes durable rolled-steel or stainless steel cooking surfaces and steel construction in the frames. Blackstone griddles also include powerful burners and thoughtful additional features such as side tables, storage shelves, and wheels.
Canola is the best cooking oil to use on an outdoor griddle. It has a high smoke point of 400 degrees Fahrenheit and won’t leave much taste on the food.
You can cook virtually anything on an outdoor griddle that you can cook indoors, including eggs, pancakes, hamburgers, hotdogs, steaks, vegetables, and fish. Gas griddles grill foods much like a cast iron or stainless steel pan, only with more room.
Stainless steel is one of the best materials for an outdoor griddle thanks to its durability, resistance to rust and corrosion, and ease of cleaning. Cast iron is also a great option as it retains heat well and provides even cooking, though it requires regular seasoning to maintain its nonstick surface and prevent rust.
A gas griddle is generally better for outdoor use because it heats up quickly, provides consistent high temperatures, and is more portable. An electric griddle is better for indoor use or in areas where open flames are restricted.
Unless it’s a gas or propane griddle used in an enclosed area, an outdoor griddle shouldn’t need any kind of specific ventilation system. Just make sure there is enough air circulating around the griddle to prevent the buildup of harmful gasses.
A well-maintained griddle can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years, depending on the quality of the materials and how often it’s used. Regular cleaning, proper seasoning (for cast iron), and protecting it from the elements will help extend its lifespan.
To maintain a griddle, clean it thoroughly after each use by scraping off food debris and wiping it down with a damp cloth. Cast iron griddles can be regularly seasoned with a thin layer of oil to prevent rust and maintain a nonstick surface. Remember to store the griddle in a dry place and protect it from the elements when not in use.
You’ll want to season your griddle after every use, especially if it’s cast iron, to maintain its nonstick surface and prevent rust. Stainless steel griddles usually do not require seasoning, but they can occasionally benefit from it.
Meet the Tester
Tony Carrick is a freelance writer specializing in home improvement, landscaping, technology, home security, and design. Carrick has conducted rigorous product testing on everything from power tools to home security systems to backyard grills. With each review, his goal is to help readers determine whether a product meets their needs and if it is or isn’t worth its price tag.
